Despite loss to OSU, is Indiana football still deserving of CFP spot?: ‘The answer’s so obvious’

Is Indiana football still deserving of a spot in the College Football Playoff? That’s the question that has taken over the college football world over the last few weeks. Following IU’s 38-15 loss to No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday, it still remains — and is under even a brighter light.

Indiana was 10-0 and ranked 5th in the CFP rankings heading into Saturday’s matchup with the Buckeyes. What it lacked was a signature win. While Indiana had done everything, and more, to build a strong resume, Saturday was a perfect opportunity to cement itself in the playoff field.

So, back to the question — is it deserving of one of the 12 spots?

“Is that a serious question?” Cignetti said postgame. “I’m not even going to answer that one. The answer’s so obvious.”

Indiana wasn’t the only ranked team to fall on Saturday, however. But Indiana had the best loss.

Alabama lost 24-3 to Oklahoma. Ole Miss lost 24-17 to Florida. BYU lost 28-23 to Arizona State. Texas A&M lost 43-41 to Auburn and Colorado lost 37-21 to Kansas.

Now, the question regarding how many 2-loss SEC teams will make the field, has changed into how many were eliminated on Saturday. Either way, despite IU’s loss, it was a good day for Indiana football.

“I don’t make those decisions,” Cignetti said about the field. “I think it’s probably more important right now that I focus on our next game, big in-state rival, against Purdue, who Indiana hasn’t beaten since 2019. I think that needs to be everybody’s focus.”

Indiana football heads into its final game of the regular season at 10-1, ready to face Purdue.

“You know, we didn’t handle the noise very well. We just didn’t,” Cignetti said. ” … I didn’t think we played our best game today. But I think a big part of that was because of them.”

SEE ALSO: Rapid Reaction — 3 initial thoughts from the 38-15 loss for Indiana football vs Ohio State

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